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Soil Amendments for clay soil

I am preparing my SQFT beds for spring planting.  I'm in Baton Rouge Louisiana
and generally we have clayey, acidic soil.  In his book, Mel recommends adding
peat, vermiculite, lime, bone meal, compost, and sand to the area to "correct"
the soil.  I sent a sample at the Extension office but don't have the
results yet.  My question is: are these soil amendments generic (good anywhere)
or should I make adjustments for my area?  If so, what adjustments should I
make?
I saw a "soil conditioner for clay soil" at the nursery the other day.  It was
pricey at $14.99 for a 20 lb bag.  The ingredient was listed as "100%
arcillite."  Can anyone tell me what this is?  Is there a less expensive
substitute?

Second question....how "well-rotted" does horse manure have to be before you
add it to beds?  I got some this weekend and it's not fresh (color's dark and
there's little odor) but I don't know if I should compost this first (mix with
leaves and other C items) or can I mix it into the bed "as-is."

TIA,

Jane Patterson
Email:  jpatter@la.net
Baton Rouge, LA  Zone 8b
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